Yuchi WMA forced to cut down 1,250 acres of damaged pines

WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW) -- An ice storm left wildlife officials no choice but to cut down 1,250 acres of damaged pines in Waynesboro.

The Yuchi Wildlife Management Area, a 7,800-acre area, was one of the most severely impacted counties, the news release said.

"Foresters with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division and the Georgia Forestry Commission surveyed the area and due to the extent of the damage, the consensus is to clearcut the impacted pine stands," the press release said.

They said the weight of the ice on needles and limbs caused the trees to bend and sometimes completely break.

"If no action is taken with the damaged pines, the area becomes open to infestation of pine beetles, the ability to prescribe burn is decreased, and the potential to make any economic recovery from the timber sale is lost," the press release said.

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